T1 + StageDAC + CONCERTO/WA3 ?

Hello All,

I am planning to pull the trigger on a T1 + STAGEDAC + either a CONCERTO or a WA3 with NOS tubes upgrade. Any suggestions?

Of course, I think in part this is about whether one prefers SS or Tube, but I've heard great things about the Concerto's low noise floor and detail reproduction capability. The Woo3 probably does not have this level of resolution, especially since the noise floor on the Concerto is so low.

Is there any consensus opinion on which is a better amp? Please note that I cannot go in for a WA2 since it is over my budget.

Thanks,

AJ

Thanks @debitsohn.

Any other people want to pitch in? :-)

Thanks,

AJ

anyone ... ? No impressions of the WA3, Concerto comparison?

Thanks @ardilla.

I've actually already placed an order for the Concerto, so it should be on its way :-)

I did a ton of research too. This seems to be my general feeling:

1. Go for a tube amp. There is no consensus opinion on how things sound. Some like it, some don't. Some suggest that even the likes of the WA2 don't sound great with stock tubes, and you have to tube-roll, and get a bunch of upgrades for them to sound fine. Also tube rolling could become expensive, especially matched tubes etc. are required. Moreover, there are other issues such as hum, maybe the requirement of installing dampers etc., isolating it from nearby RF and others. On the plus side, you can do a lot of customization, and also the sound is more "warm and musical". If I had more $$ and also open to the possibility that the sound might not be the greatest once or twice (before tube rolling for example), I would go in for a tube amp.

2. Go for an SS amp. Since there are less customization options available here, it seems there is more of a consensus opinion on this front. Common complains include the sound not "musical" enough. The Concerto is one of the few SS amps I found where people did not complain about this and surprisingly said the sound could be quite like "that from tubes." Also, generally people seem to be very happy with it. Also, if you buy the combo, Jan gives a discount. Also, no issues such as those mentioned above with tubes. One other thing is the balanced ground, with many people swearing that it is the blackest background that they have experienced.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by NumLock 

I am also looking at the Concerto and StageDAC. I plan on ordering tomorrow. I am still doing some last minute reasearch in other amps and dacs but so far I can't find any reason not to buy them.

Sure, will do! :-)
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardilla 

Great! I'll be looking be reading your impressions when you post them in the "T1 amplification thread" - that's at least where I'll post mine :-)

 

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/517517/beyerdynamics-t1-amplification-thread

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by akart 

Thanks @ardilla.

 

I've actually already placed an order for the Concerto, so it should be on its way :-)